Elvis and religion
- Memphis school children, impersonator sing altered hits of Elvis
(5th item)
(Herald Standard, dated January 4, 2004, found March 1, 2005)
This year's Hanukkah program at Beth Sholom Synagogue featured a uniquely Memphis touch - telling the story of the religious miracle through retooled versions of Elvis Presley's hits.
The synagogue featured an Elvis impersonator and students from Solomon Schechter Day School singing slightly altered hits of the King, including "Blue Suede Jews" and "Heartbreak Kotel," a reference to Jerusalem's Western Wall that's also known as the Kotel Ha Maaravi.
"It's a fun way to get the kids involved in the history of what Hanukkah means," said Jonathan Ross, who helped produce the program. "Since we're in Memphis and Elvis is such a force here, we thought it would be a perfect way to blend modern culture and ancient customs."
- All Praise the King: The many faiths of Elvis Presley
(beliefnet.com, date unknown, found December 5, 2004)
It seems everybody wants to claim Elvis as their own, from Jewish impersonators to Christian Elvis fans to those who believe Elvis is God. The religion of Elvis probably won't become a category on the 2010 U.S. census, but 25 years after the King's death, Elvis worship is still going strong. The following links provide details on Jewish Elvis lyrics, Pagan Elvis rituals, the similarities between Jesus and Elvis, and much more.
Jewish
Schmelvis: Searching for the King's Jewish Roots
A new film and book, both called "Schmelvis," explain Elvis Presley's Jewish roots. Site includes complete Elvis family tree documenting the Jewish connection, as well as more information about the book and movie.
Melvis: The First Openly Jewish Elvis Impersonator
Melvis's standard songs include "Blue Suede Jews," "Love Me Like a Gentile," and "Don't Be Cruel (to a Small White Jew)." Please note: Melvis does not perform on Yom Kippur.
Jelvis: The Jewish Elvis
Elvis impersonator Jelvis, who wears a tallit (a Jewish prayer shawl), bills himself as the "Kosher King."
Elvis - The Jewish Connection
This article, from Elvis Presley News, says that later in his life, Elvis learned Jewish teachings, became familiar with the Hebrew alphabet, and wore a chai (the Jewish world for life) necklace as part of his on-stage wardrobe. Includes a picture of Elvis wearing a Chai pendant.
Christian
Elvis vs. Jesus
Learn what Jesus and Elvis have in common--including astrological signs, sayings, resurrections, and more.
The First Church of Jesus Christ, Elvis
A gospel-like rendition of Elvis' life, from his beginnings in the recording business to his death: "And Elvis so loved the world that he died, fat and bloated, in a bathroom." Features new lyrics to the Elvis hit, "Hound Dog:"
You ain't nothin' but a human,
Sinnin' all the time, Just an ungrateful human,
Sinnin' all the time,
No, you don't deserve salvation,
But you can be a friend of mine...
The Official Gospel of Elvis Web Page
Website for the book "The Gospel of Elvis," retelling of the life of Elvis in King James-style English. According to the site, the book "combines the two greatest stories ever told."
Elvis Worship, Catholic-Style
Short essay asserts there is an "aura of Catholicism" in Elvis worship. These Catholic forms common in Elvis reverence include saint's relics, and legends of sightings, miracles, and revered relics.
Elvis Is Dead (Deal With It)
This essay, from conservative Christian Probe Ministries, asks, "What does the fascination with Elvis tell us about ourselves?" The writer encourages readers to give up their obsession with Elvis in favor of Jesus.
Hindu
Hindu Elvis Worship?
A portrait of Elvis hangs in a temple in Karnataka, India, next to pictures of Hindu deities.
Pagan
Pagan Elvis Ritual
"The Lesser Elvis Banishing Ritual of the Sequined Pentagram"--the site describest the ritual's purpose as clearing the area of all Elvis-negative influences.
Elvis Worship
The First Presleyterian Church of Elvis, the Divine
Click on Elvis to enter the church's site. Offers spiritual enlightenment, Elvis-style. Features a list of 31 holy items (such as hamburger buns, cans of sauerkraut, and El Producto cigars), an essay on the "Theory of Elvisivity," and an answer to the question, "Is this a cult?"
24-Hour Church of Elvis
This shop in Portland, Oregon is not really a church, but it does feature a resident "preacher woman." Offers marriages, t-shirts, Elvis ID cards, and Elvis drivers licenses.
Viva Lord Vegas
This 2001 article from The Bulletin, Australia, reports that Elvis worship may be developing into a real religion. "Call it Elvism, the Presleyterian church, Presleyanity, or a term yet to be coined, but it bears unmistakable signs of a cult changing into a recognisable faith," writes Christopher Reed.
Disgraceland Chapel and Meditation Room
The site encourages users to stop and meditate on Elvis and features a "brand new ceiling", a rendition of the central image in Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. The chapel also features the Elvis Grotto and Relicquiem.
- Be compelled to live a life of purpose
By Howard W. Norton
(The Daily Citizen, December 5, 2004)
When Elvis Presley died in 1977, a young female fan in Oklahoma City told a newspaper reporter that she had lost her reason to live . Adoration of Elvis gave meaning to her life, and without the rock and roll star as part of the cultural landscape, living no longer seemed worth the effort. I thought then, and I think now, that a person with no more reason to live than to idolize a famous singer is in serious trouble.
Fanatical sports fans are cut from the same cloth. In South America, it's not uncommon for soccer fans to die of heart attacks or even take their own lives when a favorite team doesn't do well in an important game. Even people who don't go to this extreme will use large sums of money that they cannot afford in order to travel and support their team with a fervor that sports writers describe as an almost religious experience. Their god is their team, and loyalty to the team gives some semblance of meaning to their existence.
We all need a reason to live. More importantly, however, we need a good reason to live. We need a reason that is so honorable and noble that it will get us out of bed each morning, propel us through the day and provide sweet memories when night falls. Further, when the end of life comes, that reason should provide us with the blessed assurance that we have not lived in vain. I propose that every person's reason to live should be to honor and glorify God. The Bible teaches that even people who have never heard a sermon or had a Bible in their hands are without excuse if they refuse to glorify God and thank Him. ...
- What a trend we have in Jesus
... but is pop culture looking for religion - or entertainment?
By Adam Graham
(Detroit News / Associated Press, March 8, 2004)
"The Passion of the Christ," which is packing in audiences nationwide, has brought new popularity to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ Superstar, indeed. Pop culture's reigning "It" guy is not some prefab pop star or some scruffy-haired actor with a million-dollar smile. Rather, it's none other than Jesus Christ. Christ has always been a presence in pop culture, and is frequently the first figure thanked in awards show acceptance speeches and in album liner notes. But Jesus' popularity has surged in recent weeks, with a Christ-themed work setting the box office ablaze and spinning off successes on television, on the music charts and in trendy fashion circles. Whether caused by a search for comfort in a society of elevated terror alerts or an embracing of old-fashioned religious beliefs, Jesus is seen as a pretty hip dude right now.
... Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" earned more than $150 million its first week, and has carved out a home for itself as one of Hollywood's all-time biggest blockbusters. Meanwhile, the soundtrack to "The Passion of the Christ" - the second-best selling CD last week at Amazon.com - sold more than 48,000 units its first week in stores, enough to enter the Billboard 200 at No. 19. Only two score-driven soundtracks have had better opening weeks, and both belonged to "Star Wars" films. The "Passion" soundtrack has spurred a spinoff album of its own. "Songs Inspired by The Passion of the Christ," featuring songs from Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and The Blind Boys of Alabama, will hit stores April 6. ...
- Legendary quartet makes visit to the area
By Brian Livingston
(Laurel Leader-Call, January 18 2004)
The Stamps Quartet can trace its roots back to the 1920s. But the roots of the quartet go much deeper - into the Gospel. Though some of the members have changed throughout the years the group has always stayed true to the Southern Gospel music. That is one reason why Elvis Presley used the quartet to back him up during his appearances. Because of that association, The Stamps Quartet has enjoyed the notoriety that has taken them to European tours. The quartet of men, complete with keyboardist Jerry Kelso, were in Jones County recording a segment for the Gospel Singing USA program shown on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday on Channel 6, ACTS TV of Comcast Cable. The program is produced by Randy Blakeney Tele-Productions.
Two of the current men, the elder statesmen in terms of both being with the quartet and in keeping the spirit of Gospel music alive, are Ed Hill and Ed Enoch. They said they were privileged enough to sing along with Elvis in the years leading up to the "King's" death in August of 1977. While Taylor, who sings tenor, talked to a fan about a recent tour of parts of Europe and Owens, the bass, went through a sound check, Hill and Enoch talked about their association with the quartet, their love of Gospel music, and of course, Elvis. "Gospel music has always been a part of my life," said Hill who started signing in gospel groups when he was 15 years old. I've been at this now for 45 years and have loved every moment of it." Enoch almost matches Hill in years singing songs that tribute the love of God. He calls those 33 years, and especially those spent with Elvis, quite rewarding.
"Gospel music was Elvis' first love," Enoch said. "He was very true to the music and it was a sheer joy to sing with him." Enoch joined The Stamps Quartet in 1969 while Hill joined the group a year later. The next seven years spent with Elvis produced not only memorable performances but also unforgettable visions of one of the world's biggest performers. "He was so kind to us," Enoch said of Elvis.
Hill said even though Elvis may hurt someone's feelings, the King would do all he could to make amends. We all knew him pretty well. You don't spend that much time with someone without getting close to them. And just like any group of people somebody might get their feelings hurt. If Elvis thought he did that, he'd do everything he could to smooth it over. He was really an extraordinary person," Hill said.
But even with Elvis, it was always about the music- the gospel that put music to the words of God and celebrated his greatness using notes and melodies, harmonies and solos. ...
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